By Anthony Isibor
IN a move towards reshaping Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory landscape, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has unveiled the draft General Authorisation Framework (GAF) to key industry stakeholders, signalling a major shift towards a more adaptive, innovation-focused licensing regime.
Speaking during the presentation in Abuja, the Director of the Licensing and Authorisation Department of the NCC emphasized the growing need for a modernised approach to telecom licensing, as rapid digital transformation and emerging technologies continue to outpace existing regulatory structures.
“Today’s session marks a pivotal step in our collective journey toward a more agile, inclusive, and innovation-driven communications sector in Nigeria,” the Director said. “The current licensing framework cannot fully accommodate the proliferation of novel business models and services.”
The proposed GAF, described as “flexible” and “forward-looking,” introduces three key pathways for industry experimentation and evolution:
Proof of Concept (PoC): Allows entities to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative technologies or services.
Regulatory Sandbox: Enables real-world testing of innovations under NCC supervision within a controlled environment.
Interim Service Authorisation (ISA): Offers temporary approval for new services while awaiting formal licensing categories.
The Commission’s director noted that the development of the framework followed extensive research and internal review, including a benchmark study of international models such as the UK’s Ofcom Sandbox and Singapore’s IMDA testbeds. These references helped inform a structure that promotes innovation while maintaining essential regulatory safeguards.
The framework is designed in alignment with key national policies, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the National Broadband Plan, and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Embedded within it are provisions for cybersecurity, customer data protection, consumer information transparency, and market abuse prevention.
“We are determined to be proactive rather than reactive,” the NCC director stated. “This framework allows us to embrace innovation without losing our regulatory grip.”
The NCC invited robust feedback from participants at the event, describing the GAF as a “living document” that will benefit from stakeholder perspectives on clarity, implementation hurdles, and alignment with commercial realities.
Industry observers welcomed the initiative as a timely response to the changing dynamics of the digital economy. Some participants praised the inclusion of mechanisms that allow start-ups to test solutions without the burden of full-scale licensing from the outset.
Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness, the Director said: “Let us ensure this framework becomes a solid bridge between innovation and regulation—between present limitations and future possibilities.”
The presentation marked the beginning of a stakeholder consultation phase, after which the framework will be refined and finalized for adoption.
A.I
Culled from Real News
